Walt Whitman was born on May 31, 1819. Although From the Catbird Seat just highlighted a “lost” Whitman poem recently discovered at the Library, we decided that Whitman’s multitudes should not be contained by a single post, or even two posts, in the lead-up to his birthday. The best way to honor Whitman, we thought, was to inspire you, à la Whitman, to lean and loafe at your ease. Which is why we’re pleased to announce the launch of our new Walt Whitman Pinterest board.

First editions of Leaves of Grass published during Walt Whitman’s life. From left to right: Brooklyn: 1855; Brooklyn: 1856; Boston: 1860-1861; New York: 1869; Washington: 1871; Camden, New Jersey: 1876; Boston: 1881-1882; Philadelphia: 1888; Philadelphia: 1891-1892 Rare Book & Special Collections Division, Library of Congress.

If you have any question about the Library’s Walt Whitman collections, please feel free to contact the Poetry and Literature Center and we’ll be sure to pass your query along to the appropriate area of the Library.

Walt Whitman enthusiasts were treated to a surprise last December when news broke that Wendy Katz, an associate professor of art history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, had discovered a new poem by Whitman. The poem, titled “To Bryant, the Poet of Nature,” was uncovered by Katz in May 2014 as she examined penny press […]

The following guest post, part of our “Teacher’s Corner” series, is by Rebecca Newland, Teacher in Residence at the Library of Congress. One way to engage students with poetry is to provide multiple ways to experience a poem and show how it can have a far-reaching influence. Written by John McCrae on May 3, 1915, […]

Since my last update on state poets laureate back in December, new laureates have taken up office in six states. Just yesterday, Carmen Tafolla was invested as Texas State Poet Laureate. Here are the five other changes since the new year began: Kimberly Blaeser started her term as Wisconsin Poet Laureate on January 6; Shelby Stephenson […]

Sad to say, but National Poetry Month is officially over. But, hey, that doesn’t mean we can’t reminisce about it together! So put down your book (only for a little while) and check out some of the poetry-related posts that were featured across the Library’s many blogs: “Francis Scott Key: the Lawyer-Poet,” written by Jennifer […]

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